Animation of Ely Southern Bypass proposal. Go to our website to see the full video animation presentation

County councillor Ian Bates, Cabinet member for growth and planning said: “We do understand the bypass will have an impact on the landscape and historical setting of Ely and its cathedral.

“However, this impact has been considered through the design of the new bypass and reduced where possible.”

The council is to build the bypass to the south of the city to reduce congestion around the railway station.

Now the public is being given the chance to see for themselves the likely impact by watching a digital fly-through video and also by talking to council staff.

Animation of Ely Southern Bypass proposal. Go to our website to see the full video animation presentation

The consultation will be followed by a detailed planning application later.

Cllr Bates said: “The need for a solution became more urgent in 2010 when surveys revealed the railway crossing was closed for up to 35 minutes every hour.”

He said the problem was likely to get worse as rail services using the line are expected to increase.

The council believes Ely will benefit from a new walkway which will be built as part of the bridge providing views of the cathedral and surrounding area.

Animation of Ely Southern Bypass proposal. Go to our website to see the full video animation presentation

Improve journey times between the A10 and Stuntney Causeway

Cllr Bates added: “We also researched a locally suggested alternative, known as the hidden bypass. It would start from a new roundabout on Angel Drove, pass under the main railway line and cross King’s School playing fields back onto the A142.

“This would impact less on the landscape but our investigations determined it would not provide value for money or deliver the same benefits to the area as the bypass.”

CONTACT: www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/transport/ely-bypass or attend one of the following exhibitions: